Kidney Wales is calling on runners across Wales to sign up for the Cardiff 10k race as it celebrates its 30th birthday.

In what organisers say could be their biggest year yet, entrants are invited to get their running shoes at the ready for what has become one of the main events in the Welsh sporting calendar for thousands of people.

Watch our Cardiff 10k video

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to playTap to play

The video will start in 8Cancel

Play now

Welsh charity Kidney Wales confirmed the fast-paced sporting event will return to its original route this year through Cardiff city centre and Bute Park, after disruption from the NATO conference forced the route to be changed last year.

The sign-up period was launched at Pettigrew Tea Rooms in Bute Park as Kidney Wales was joined by businesses, supporters and friends to launch the campaign for the race’s 30th birthday.

Over the last three decades, Cardiff 10k has raised £1.5m for Welsh charities, including St John Ambulance, Cancer Research Wales and LATCH, the Welsh children’s cancer charity.

Here's how to take part

Organisers of one of the top 10 races in the UK are calling for fundraisers to run on behalf of Kidney Wales, who promote renal research and care, with a target of £40 each.

The race will take place on Sunday, September 6, at 10am, with the 2k Family Fun Run taking place earlier that day at 9.15am.

Runners can enter as an individual for £26.25 or as an affiliated runner for £23.50, or with family, friends and colleagues in the community team challenge, for £101.50 per four to six runners, or the corporate team challenge, for £296.50 per four to six runners.

Entrants will receive a Kidney Wales running vest or breathable T-shirt, a professional photo before the race, and the chance to have paid entry fees refunded if fundraising exceeds £150.

Dan Briley (plus shed) took 1.12.14 to finish the course last year (Image: Polly Thomas)

Welsh cancer charity Tenovus has already signed up a 60-strong team to run in the event and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service will be back to try and regain their place at the top of the leader board after their five-year winning streak wasn’t enough to beat the Royal Navy in last year’s race.

Brecon Carreg, this year’s official water sponsor, will be on hand across the race water stations to provide runners with bottled water and plenty of support.

Registration for the race is now open and people of all ages are encouraged to get involved. Runners can sign up online here or over the telephone on 02920 343940, and fundraisers can set up their online page to support their chosen charity.

'Proud of what we've achieved over 30 years'

Roy Thomas, chief executive of Kidney Wales, said: “This year we turn 30 and we couldn’t be more proud of what we have achieved over the past three decades.

“Over the years, the Cardiff 10k has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support our vital work in renal research and patient care, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of pounds the event has raised for numerous other charities across Wales.

“With this in mind, we want as many new runners as possible to enter this year. No matter whether you would consider yourself a runner or not, please sign up. It really is the taking part that counts, as well as raising as much money as possible for good causes across Wales.”

Is it a bird... (Image: Matthew Horwood)

Also at the launch to show her support was Neath-born BT Sport presenter Sarra Elgan, who has been a patron of Kidney Wales for many years.

She said: “I have met families who have loved ones who suffer with chronic renal failure. I have witnessed firsthand the hardships they experience and the struggle they endure whilst they wait for a transplant to become available.

“The event has become a key date in the Welsh sporting calendar and it is really inspiring to see the amount of people involved, especially little ones running with mums, dads and in some cases even grandparents.

“Not only is the Cardiff 10k one of the longest established road races in the UK but it is held in high regard in the racing calendar, thanks to its fast paced course that attracts a combination of top athletes and have-a-go-heroes who raise much needed funds for Welsh charities, including Kidney Wales."